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Report: Verlander trade still possible for Astros

Report: Verlander trade still possible for Astros

Pitcher Justin Verlander has more than 2,300 strikeouts since 2005 with the Detroit Tigers.

As the Astros prepare for a postseason run, they need to figure out how to better their odds of reaching the Fall Classic for the first time since 2005.

One of those options is acquiring veteran starter Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers.

Verlander cleared revocable waivers, making him tradeable despite the league being past the standard July 31 trade deadline. The Astros and Tigers have reportedly “had contact” on the Cy Young winner.

A Verlander trade isn’t easy to conceptualize. He’s due $56 million over the next two seasons, and while the Astros could reasonably absorb that deal, it would be counterintuitive to the flexibility they’ve worked so hard to build.

Perhaps the Astros are feeling the heat for their lack of activity in late July. The Dodgers, also in the midst of a historic season, went all-in, adding star pitcher Yu Darvish and two lefty relievers.

But Houston, after flirting with adding big names, acquired Francisco Liriano for its bullpen and little else. Ace Dallas Keuchel expressed his displeasure.

“I’m not going to lie,” he said. “Disappointment is a little bit of an understatement.”

Verlander isn’t what he once was, but he’d be a welcome addition to any contender. He’s been subpar in 2017, though he’s collected a 2.31 ERA across his last six starts.

Verlander has a full no-trade clause, but Morosi reports he’d consider Houston, especially with Chicago and Los Angeles no longer pursuing him.

Houston may succumb to the pressure – maybe it should – or ride it out with this team. If it comes up short, there will be other opportunities. But things can change quickly in sports, and more often than not, it’s better to push the chips on the table when you’ve won 71 of your 110 games.